Factors That Shaped the British Colonies Essay Sample

British colonies that had more resources, in addition to demonstrating a considerable amount of perseverance, became successful colonies. A factor that challenged many colonies was starvation, caused by lack of supplies and knowledge. This issue was remedied by help from Native Americans, or by relief from England. Colonies that maintained amicable relationships with the Natives were able to trade with them to gain food and necessary supplies. Some Natives even taught colonists how to farm. For example, Squanto taught the colonist in Plymouth how to grow corn and catch fish. (pg. 64) Restraining from hostile interactions with the Natives also prevented attacks and wars, which could take a toll on the struggling colonists. (pg. 61) Additionally, colonies financed by joint-stock companies had an advantage over proprietary colonies. A joint-stock company could raise larger amounts of money than an individual easily could; the benefit of this can be observed in Jamestown and the Virginia Company. (pg. 51)The three relief ships that the struggling colonists encountered were more affordable because of the joint-stock company. Jamestown also illustrated the necessity of a gritty will to survive. (pg.58) Colonists endured extreme famine when the food supply ran out on multiple occasions and dealt with disease, drought, violence, and death; all of which were conditions not suitable for the faint-hearted. They needed to be able to survive the difficult early years of “starving time” and harsh winters. 

Differing climates and geography caused specialized economies to emerge among the colonies. Each region had to make a profit off of what natural resources were available to them. The south had flat lands and rich soils, where profitable sugar and rice plantations developed. More northern regions were more focused on things like trading and fishing. Another factor that encouraged specialized economies were the human resources; what skills they had and how they could be utilized. New England settlers were small farmers, merchants, seamen and fishermen. The colder climate also helped the settlers to avoid disease, and it was a healthier place to live. (pg. 62) In the south, where slavery was much more abundant, planters preferred West Africans to work their plantations because they had been growing rice for generations. (pg. 72) 

Religion is also a factor that shaped the British colonies, especially in New England. It was the primary motivation for founding several of the colonies, and there was great religious diversity. Each colony had its own attitude toward tolerance, which leads me to wonder how religious tolerance impacted the colonies’ success. Rhode Island allowed complete religious freedom and became a refuge for those fleeing religious persecution. In the 1670s, Rhode Island was described as the “most profitable part of New England.” Puritans of the Massachusetts bay colony were willing to sacrifice everything to create a model Christian society, showing no tolerance to other religions. (pg. 62) The Puritans, having fled religious persecution, made sure their rights were protected. (pg.68) Their religion shaped their society and governed their lives; the civil government grew out of the church government. Overall, the question comes down to: is religious uniformity essential for a successful, unified, and peaceful colony? What is the influence of unanimous beliefs in a colony?